2012 Is Finally Here!

2011 is finally over and it feels refreshing. Completely like a new chapter is starting. I'm officially moved to Las Vegas and enjoying all the change. While William is working, I have been painting with the watercolors I received for Christmas from my parents. Right now I am obsessed with Nesting Dolls :)

Today I am going to make a skeleton one. I think someone needs to pay me to sit around and make things and paint things.  I'm hoping 2012 will be full of art. Full of creative freedom and ability to express myself. It is going to be a good, creative year!

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Merry Christmas (Eve)!

This picture isn't really relavant, it was last night. I'm bonkers. 

I just wanted to pop in and tell everyone to have a Merry Christmas & Eve! Today is the day I spend time with my Dad's family and tonight we have a big family party to go to. Then I'm going to come home a wee bit early and spend tonight with my William on skype. 

I hope everyone spends a ton of time with family, eats good food, has great conversation, and gets some interesting presents! 

I got my dad *a pilot* this AWESOME HUMONGOUS shark blimp like thing! I can't wait to see his face.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline 

We Say Goodbye to an Old Friend

Today was a very hard day for William and I. Very recently his sweet dog, Lurk, started having health problems and wasn't looking very good. He suddenly couldn't function normally to the extent that he couldn't eat or drink and William had to make the very hard decision of putting his Lurk to sleep.

William adopted Lurk about fourteen years ago, when William was 9. He and his brother had decided it was time to adopt pups and headed to the animal shelter. At first William fell in love with a pretty white puppy that everyone in the family liked, that is until it didn't like the puppy Robert was absolutely in love with. Slightly crushed, William decided against the white dog and thought he'd find a dog another time. Until one of the shelter workers came in with a litte, red-brown, furry pup. William was in love. He knew from the moment he saw this little mut that it was his dog.

And they have been inseparable ever since. In the days I have known Lurk, he has been a lazy dog that doesn't listen to me. But I'll tell you, every time William came into the room Lurk brightened up like the sun. He would jump up and run around and flip out for his boy. And every time William left for work, Lurk would stare at the door for hours until he realized it would be awhile and relax. When I was alone with him, Lurk usually wouldn't do much. But when William and I were together, he'd constantly be following us around the house. He never left his boy's side.

Today we celebrated Lurk's long, 14 year old, life. We cried over his lose and know he will forever be in our hearts.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline + William

It's a Great Day!

I am a very happy girl today. Today was my last day of finals and I think I did just fine. I've been so very very stressed and my sleeping pattern has gone so screwy. At some point I started staying up till one with no problem and sleeping in till nine. I've never been like this! I usually go to sleep by ten thirty and am up at seven thirty or eight. Now a days I'll be sitting around and realize it's eleven at night. (Today was one of those days.) 

I'm thrilled to work on some great custom orders this week *my favorite*. I like making Lovebots out of my own imagination but it really warms my heart to create something another person truly wants. I could do this for the rest of my life.

A few other things I'm in love with today:

William. Breaking Bad. Oreos. Fudge. Pigtails. Christmas Sweaters. Cheap T-Shirts. iPhone. William. Lurk. Ashley. Sons of Anarchy. Walking Dead. The Cold. 

Did I mention William? I can't express, without completely embarrassing him because I'm so mushy, how absolutely wonderful he truly is. He is the best man I've ever met. 

What are you loving this week? Anything great happen? This is the best I've felt in so long.

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

P.S. Can you BELIEVE Christmas is in TEN days? TEN. Guess what. I move in THIRTEEN days!! ah!!!

Dear William,

Today is our one year anniversary and I have so much I want to say. Most of my friends know I can go on about mushy things, especially you, my William. We've hit a beautiful stepping stone in our relationship and are soon making another one with our move. 

And above all the things I have to say,

I want to tell you:

 Thank you

Thank you for all the times I interrupted you and you always let me go first. 

Thank you for all the animals you promised I can have.

Thank you for all the babies you promised I can have.

Thank you for the mountains of candy you always buy me (and then letting me eat it all).

Thank you for letting me complain about college all these months.

Thank you for getting me an amazing new cell phone and plan to call you in the middle of the night with.

Thank you for yelling at the car insurance guy for like three hours on Friday.

Thank you for using a cat iphone cover because I have a bear one.

Thank you for letting me clean everything.

Thank you for buying me a hair dryer just because I complained about my other one.

Thank you for letting me fall asleep as soon as you call me every night.

Thank you for letting me make currants, a blanket, and other girly things for our new room.

Thank you for loving me.

And thank you for waiting for me.

You are my best friend and the greatest young man I know. You never give up on us and the life we want together. You are such a goofball and you put a smile on my face every minute of the day.

Happy One Year Anniversary, my William.

I love you.

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

Steampunk Nightmares

This month I was completely honored to do some amazing custom orders for the holidays. 

First I was asked by a friend of a friend to make custom birthday Lovebots for our mutual friend. I knew exactly what Sarah would want. Sarah and her boyfriend Bradley have a thing for Nightmare Before Christmas, so I made her Jack and Sally bots *secretly*!

Sorry for the iphone quality! I was in a rush to send them to her.

Then I was asked by a classmate from high school, Jesse, to make a steampunk Lovebot. To be honest, at first I was a little skeptical. My lovebots can't be very rough looking, they're fleece! But after talking it over with him and brainstorming, I had it!

He gave me these for inspiration:

I channeled the colors of the two on the left and mostly the one of the top left for inspiration. 

The result was this.

I had so so much fun with these two customs. I love making someone else's ideas come to light!

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

2011 is almost over...

In such a fast year my life has changed so much. 

I was starting to fall in love with an old friend.

I was a cheerleading Senior in high school

A successful Editor-in-Chief of my schools yearbook

I celebrated my 18th birthday in Hawaii where my sister was getting married.

I spent my summer falling deeply in love with William and making art

I went to college and decided it wasn't quite for me. Then William and I decided to move in together. 

And now we are awaiting that move. We are working everyday to love one another more. I'm finishing up my semester next week and I'm going to celebrate with dying my hair! 

We move in in 22 Days and are so so thrilled. We're making plans for changing his room into my room.

We're getting me an artist desk and I'm going to make curtains as soon as I'm there. I'm starting to be happy and I can't wait for that to come true. I can't wait to see what William and I will make of 2012.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Happy Small Business Saturday!

Today is the day to appreciate the small businesses out there. I know a lot of us try to shop small businesses more than large companies, but sometimes we can't quite afford it. Well today a lot of small businesses are having sales, so check out your favorites! I am also having a sale until the end of the year.

 A lot of my favorite bloggers/small businesses are having sales today too!

Like Kaylah of the Dainty Squid is offering 15% off with the code: BLKFRI

Kaelah of Hive and Honey is offering 15% off with the code: SMALLBIZ

Kaylah of Cupkay is offering 15% off with the code: HORRAYCUPKAY

And Laura of Tea @ Noon is having a buy one get one for a dollar sale! 

So happy shopping everyone! And if you have a small business, please leave your link the comments so we can spread the love.

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

Okay so no video blog

Trimmed my fringe today.

I have to come clean. William and I totally forgot to do the video blog. In our defense, by the time we got home from running around town all day on Sunday we were way too tired to make it. Then I got really sick that night and had a cold the rest of the week. And this cold gave me "smoker voice" to the point that William didn't recognize me over the phone... ya it was pretty bad. I started saying "sugah" and "hun" a lot for added effect.

We also didn't get too many questions and I hadn't put enough thought into making up my own. So, when I move I'm going to do a lot of videos. I want not only to share our experiences with the internet, I also want to document them for us in the future. So I promise those videos will show up soon. I'm planning to film a little while we drive, film a little when we get our first apartment, our first few days, ya know big things like that. 

Anyway, how was your Thanksgiving? I have had two so far and two more to go. Tomorrow I'm going to get up early and make individual pumpkin pie desserts from a recipe I found on Pintrest. If you're interested the recipe is here. 

Well I hope you all are well! 

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

P.S.

 

This might have taken place today.

Time To Give Thanks

With it being the time to give thanks, ya know tomorrow is Thanksgiving after all, I'd like to tell you what I'm thankful for.

1. William. I am so blessed to have such a strong, passionate man in my life. He truly treats me like a queen. He makes me laugh all day everyday. He loves me for who I am and we really click as a couple. I'm so blessed to be loved by my best friend.

2. My wonderful families. I have three really great families that support me on all sides. They all love me no matter what and truly are there for me. I know they'll love me and support me throughout my life.

3. The blogispher. I know that might seem a little silly to some, but truly the blogispher has helped me grow a person. Naturally I am very shy and often keep to myself. But blogging has helped me with stress and letting things out in ways I wouldn't do otherwise. I love getting to know other amazing ladies through their blogs and making really interesting friendships this way.

4. My lovely IRL friends. "The Move" has put on so much stress and my friends have truly helped me through those hard feelings I tend to keep. They help me know that this is what I want, even when I'm feeling super down. I love them so much for that.

5. Laura Shane. Laura is one of the most interesting young ladies you will ever meet. She is full of spirit and more life than anyone our age. She makes beautiful jewellery, here, and writes down her thoughts, here. As much of a plug as this might seem, I truly mean it. Laura has been there for me so much and I appreciate our friendship daily.

6. "The Move". As hard as it is right now, a day before I have to go back home and go back to school soon, I know this is where I belong. We'll be here in William's home until I get a job and then we can easily afford our own apartment. A little home of our own. I know this is where I need to be to grow in life. I know it will bring my spirit back.

7. My business. It's been about a year and half since I started my business and it's grown into something I'm very happy with. I don't get sales every day but I truly get to work with people who love my product. And those few times I get to see how happy my Lovebots make people are what make it worth doing.

8. Misc: Dexter. New iPhone. Mac laptop. Lurk. Making blankets out of fleece. Warm showers. Waking up next to my best friend. Cat socks. Pajamjam pants. 

Although we should be thankful all year long, this is my little Thanksgiving list.

And to show my thanks to all my followers and lovely friends, I'd like to offer a coupon code till the end of the year! Please check it out before year is up!

Click here to go to my shop!

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline

Cat iphones, respectful mohawks, and pink shirts.

William and I have been having a great time together this week! I've been here since Saturday and I'm having such a great time. We've been playing video games and sleeping in and getting me sick.

And trying on amazing hats at Target.

On Sunday we had a real outing! First we went to William's hair salon to get his hair cut, he has curly/wavy hair so he needs to keep it super short for it to behave. I love it. He gets his hair cut in what I call a "respectful mohawk", real short on the sides and kinda spikey on the top. His hair dresser, Gloria, does a great job.

Afterwards, we had a Baja Fresh date! We shared a Burrito Dos Manos, which William didn't know means Burrito Two Hands. It was absolutely delicious. It had chicken and beans and the works! The best part was the cranberry salsa they have for the holidays. It's like a spicy cranberry sauce! I think it'd be great with turkey.

Then we headed to Verizon to get me my own iphone! Verizon is having a great deal for iphone 4s right now and so we pounced. I got a black one and William and I have really cute covers. I have a bear and he has a black cat.

I actually ordered a white cat but they sent me this.

This is William's.

It was a really wonderful Sunday. Since then we've been lazy bones. William was sick last week so I caught whatever he had. I've been trying to sleep/rest it off while he goes to work.


He even tried to win me that Warthog thing!

What have you been up lately? Anything fun?
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

My Head Is Full Of Dreams

Lately my head is full of dreams. Not quite precise yet not quiet vague. The closer I am to moving to Las Vegas the more I dream, the more I believe my dreams will truly come to be.

I have dreams of a family. I see myself chasing my babies around the house, stressed, tired and happy with what I have made. I teach them to sew and organize, see the beauty I see in the world. I want their Dad to teach them how to cook and about science. I want three, maybe even four kids. I want a small home that fits all of us but isn't really "spacious". I want a small backyard with grass and flowers and room to play. I want cats and small/medium dogs that cuddle with my babies all the time.

I want an old fashioned life. I want to teach my girls how beautiful vintage is and the way life used to be. I want them to like the things kids their age like but also to like the things kids used to like. Playing outdoors. Imaginary games. Wooden blocks. I want my home to be decorated in vintage things mixed with modern things. I want it to be bright, warm colors. Crocheted blankets and needle point wall hangings. 

These are the things I see when I close my eyes. Some girls want successful careers and love, I want a home and babies. I have my love. I believe William is who I truly want, always. He is in this future I see. He is that Dad who talks about science and plays with his kids when he gets home from work. I see his parents over all the time, talking loud and playing with our kids. I see my parents coming over for visits and being happy for us. 

I believe dreams are important. These are the most important things to me. What do you dream of when you're alone? What is it that your heart wants more than anything?

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Little Update in the Shop!

I finally got around to putting my newest three Lovebots onto the shop! 

First we have Clark Superbot:

Clark Superbot is just as great, young fellow. His favorite things are justice, fighting crime, flying, and being amazing at everything. Everyone loves Clark Superbot!

 Litty Mousebot

Litty Mousebot likes quiet things. She likes to tip toe around the house and see what her friends are up to. Would you like to be Litty's new best friend?

And Lex Evilbot!

Lex Evilbot is about all things, well... evil. He appreciates a good, long maniacal laugh. He also loves capes, the color black, and his cat Fluffy. Will you be his new henchman? 

Please give them a look see and show us to your friends! They make great Christmas presents.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Ps. Just as a reminder, William and I are going to be doing a video blog this Sunday! Please ask us any questions you might have HERE!

Send us your questions!

So in about a week I will be in Las Vegas to see William for a few days during my Thanksgiving break. And for a long while now we've been meaning to make a few vlogs together. So I was thinking, for our first vlog we could answer any questions you might have for me or for us! 

Please don't be shy and let us know what you wanna hear! If not I guess we'll wing it ;)

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Silence.

I know I've been constantly apologizing on here about my silence. But to be honest it's been a hard month or so. School is not quite what I thought it would be, not saying anything solid about it because it is still new but right now it is not my favorite thing. And this whole moving business is very stressful. It's still happening and it's what I truly want, but all of my family is at some level of upsetness with me and that's hard for me. I think they know I'm not trying to hurt them but it is hard for me to upset everyone. I like to keep the peace, I'm not confrontational. Just knowing that my decision has upset my families has made it harder one me.

But when I look deep down into my heart I know it's what I want. I know I'm excited underneath the turmoil I'm feeling. While I am afraid it could backfire, like everyone thinks it will, I also know that if it works the way I want it to, that it could be the best thing I ever do. William and I truly love one another and it's time for us to be a real couple. Long distance is much harder than it seems, trust me. I wouldn't wish it on any couple. It's time for us to start a life together.

I've wanted to write this for so long but I know just admitting it will upset some people further. But truly this is my best way to let out how I feel and live my life. I've always found blogging to be so relaxing and it feels great to share my life with others while they share their lives with me. So thank you everyone that has given me kind words, I truly need it.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Craft Fair Bust

Over this last weekend, I participated in a fair in Long Beach along side my step mom Kathy and her friend, Malinda. Kathy and Melinda are wall artists, they do faux painting and are pretty dang amazing at it. Anyway, Melinda wanted to do this fair so Kathy and I decided to go in the booth with her.

So I made signs for my Lovebots, little tags, and whipped up three more little lovelies to put in the show. We got there around 11 to set up, I brought about 12 Lovebots and Kathy and Melinda brought samples of their art as well as their portfolios. Then we waited. And waited. And waited. And waited.

Turns out this little fair wasn't all it was cracked up to be. It wasn't well advertised and absolutely no one came. The only people who I saw that day were other vendors, there were about 10 of us. Oh well! It was worth a shot, so Kathy and I packed up and went back home.

So although my first fair didn't go so well, but I'm really hoping to give it another try at a better one sometime soon!

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Circus Freaks!

Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend and the greatest holiday of the year!

In my family, we celebrate Halloween the weekend before, so that more of our friends can come. This year our party was on the 29th and it was a blast!!

Our theme was Circus Freaks.

We had conjoined twins, snake charmers, bearded ladies, and a wolfman,

A happy clown, a demented ring master, a fortune teller, a cat woman, and the electric woman,

And even my Daisy dressed up while we cleaned the backyard!

OH! Did I mention we go all out in our decorations? 

What did you dress up as for Halloween? I'll love to see pictures!

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

Little Hair Cut

For the longest time I've had straight bangs with a little frame around my face and for a few months I've trimmed them on my own. I bought my own hair scissors and managed to keep them in line for a while. Well, it's been a long time since I've done anything new with my hair and I am getting that itch. I am trying to grow it out, so no new cut and I love it black so no new dye... that left me with a new bang style.

Out with the old:

And in with the new!

I cut myself Betty bangs, which I've never had before. They're above my eyebrows, which is shorter than ever before and they curve up on the sides. I love how clean and thick then are, instead of parted and whispy all the time. Also, they're a lot more defined. I didn't really know how to cut my old bangs right, so for these it was really easy to section them off just right. Today I didn't wash them and they look perfect, so I'm really optimistic about these! 

Sometimes change is all you need to feel better about yourself.

Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

P.S. Have you guy seen the new blogger posting page? I am in love!

Why I've been so quiet...

I apologize for being so quiet lately. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind and haven't been able to think about much else. So here is my good news that has been the only thing on my mind.

I'm moving to Las Vegas.

William and I have been going out for about a year now and have been long distance the entire time. We want to start a life together and have decided to make that leap. For a long time we've been talking about who will move where, but it's been a hard decision. We both have families and ties to our cities, but it really came down to price of living. Las Vegas is half the price of Southern California. So at the end of this year, I'll be moving to Nevada to live with the man I love. 

Although I am young, all my life I've wanted to be a real adult. All though high school I dreamt of a home and a steady job, being able to take care of myself and the one I love. I thought I'd feel better when college started, but it wasn't any different. I'm happy to say I'm starting my life, finally. I can't wait to share with you all my new adventures, hand in hand with my partner. It all starts December 28th!

Love and Turtledoves,

Jacqueline